Reviewing Your Mistakes
Learn
Recording errors is only the first step. The real power of an error log comes from reviewing your mistakes regularly and learning from them. This lesson teaches you how to conduct effective error reviews that actually improve your performance.
The Three-Step Review Process
When reviewing each mistake in your error log, follow these three steps:
-
Step 1: Understand the Correct Answer
Do not just look at what the right answer is. Make sure you understand why it is correct. Can you explain the solution in your own words?
-
Step 2: Identify Your Error Type
Figure out exactly where you went wrong:
- Did you misread the question?
- Did you make a calculation error?
- Did you not know the concept?
- Did you know the concept but apply it incorrectly?
- Did you run out of time?
-
Step 3: Create a Prevention Plan
Write down what you will do differently next time to avoid this error. Be specific!
How Often to Review
- Same day: Do a quick review of new errors the same day you made them
- Weekly: Review all errors from the past week
- Monthly: Look for patterns across all your logged errors
- Before tests: Review your most common error types
The "Re-Do" Method
One of the most effective review techniques is to re-do problems you got wrong, without looking at the answer. Wait at least a day, then try the problem again from scratch. If you get it right, you have truly learned from the mistake.
Examples
Here is an example of a complete error review entry:
Original Problem
A store is having a 25% off sale. If a shirt originally costs $40, what is the sale price?
My answer: $10
Correct answer: $30
Step 1: Understanding the Correct Answer
25% of $40 = 0.25 x 40 = $10. This is the discount amount, not the sale price. The sale price is the original price minus the discount: $40 - $10 = $30.
Step 2: Identifying My Error
Error type: Concept application error
I correctly calculated 25% of $40, but I thought that was the final answer. I forgot that "25% off" means you subtract the discount from the original price.
Step 3: Prevention Plan
When I see "% off" in a problem:
- Underline the words "off" or "discount" as a reminder
- Calculate the discount amount
- Subtract from the original price
- Check: Is my answer less than the original? (It should be for a discount)
Practice
For each mistake scenario below, identify the error type and create a prevention plan.
1. Problem: "What is 3 + 4 x 2?" Student answered: 14. Correct answer: 11.
Show Analysis
Error type: Order of operations mistake
What went wrong: Added before multiplying (3+4=7, then 7x2=14)
Prevention plan: Always scan for multiplication/division first. Write "PEMDAS" at the top of scratch paper.
2. Problem: "A recipe needs 2/3 cup of flour. How much flour is needed to make half the recipe?" Student answered: 1/3. Correct answer: 1/3.
Show Analysis
This is actually correct! 2/3 x 1/2 = 2/6 = 1/3. No error to review here.
3. Problem: "The temperature dropped from 15 degrees to -8 degrees. How many degrees did it drop?" Student answered: 7. Correct answer: 23.
Show Analysis
Error type: Integer/negative number mistake
What went wrong: Subtracted 15-8=7 instead of finding the distance between 15 and -8
Prevention plan: Draw a number line for problems with negative numbers. Count the spaces between the two values.
4. Problem: "Find the area of a triangle with base 10 cm and height 6 cm." Student answered: 60 cm². Correct answer: 30 cm².
Show Analysis
Error type: Formula error
What went wrong: Used base x height instead of (1/2) x base x height
Prevention plan: Write out formulas before calculating. Triangle area = (1/2)bh. Check: Did I divide by 2?
5. Problem: "What is 18 divided by 6?" Student answered: 4. Correct answer: 3.
Show Analysis
Error type: Careless/rushing error
What went wrong: Simple division fact mistake, likely due to rushing
Prevention plan: Check division by multiplying: 3 x 6 = 18. Always verify with the inverse operation.
6. Problem: "Which fraction is equivalent to 0.4?" Options: A) 1/4 B) 2/5 C) 4/10 D) Both B and C. Student answered: C. Correct answer: D.
Show Analysis
Error type: Incomplete checking
What went wrong: Found one correct answer (4/10) but did not check if 2/5 also equals 0.4
Prevention plan: When "both" or "all of the above" is an option, check every single choice before selecting.
7. Problem: "Solve for x: 2x + 5 = 13." Student answered: 9. Correct answer: 4.
Show Analysis
Error type: Algebra procedure error
What went wrong: Probably subtracted 5 then forgot to divide by 2, or divided incorrectly
Prevention plan: Show all steps: 2x + 5 = 13 → 2x = 8 → x = 4. Verify by plugging back in: 2(4) + 5 = 13. Yes!
8. Problem: "A train leaves at 9:45 AM and arrives at 2:15 PM. How long was the trip?" Student answered: 4 hours 30 minutes. Correct answer: 4 hours 30 minutes.
Show Analysis
This is correct! From 9:45 to 2:15 is 4.5 hours. No error to review.
9. Problem: "What is the median of: 12, 5, 8, 15, 3?" Student answered: 8. Correct answer: 8.
Show Analysis
This is correct! Ordered: 3, 5, 8, 12, 15. The middle value is 8. Good job!
10. Problem: "A rectangular prism has length 4, width 3, and height 5. What is the volume?" Student answered: 12. Correct answer: 60.
Show Analysis
Error type: Wrong operation
What went wrong: Only multiplied length x width (4 x 3 = 12), forgot the height
Prevention plan: Volume = length x width x height (all three dimensions). Check: Did I use all three measurements?
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about reviewing mistakes:
- What are the three steps of the error review process?
- Why is it important to understand WHY an answer is correct, not just what the correct answer is?
- What is the "re-do" method and why is it effective?
- How often should you review your error log?
Next Steps
- Go through your existing error log and add prevention plans for each entry
- Schedule weekly error review sessions (15-20 minutes)
- Try the re-do method on problems you missed last week
- Continue to the next lesson: Mixed Practice Sets